Mo Brooks Archives

In a weekly leadership talk held by the Business Council of Alabama on Tuesday morning, Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) covered a lot of ground on legislative topics, but he also went scorched earth on Mo Brooks.

Last week, Brooks, 71, announced a last-minute primary challenge to State Rep. James Lomax (R-Huntsville), 34, on the day candidate qualifying ended. According to Brooks, he was recruited to run against Lomax, and did so because he gave his word to campaign backers that if they raised enough money, he would run.

After some hesitation to wade into something that was clearly on his mind, Ledbetter responded to a question about stability in the legislative process by saying that good leaders make the difference.

“Let me say this. I’m gonna say it. You’ve got somebody like James Lomax, who is an outstanding young man, super, super smart — who is a future leader of this state, without question. And what he’s doing for Huntsville, Alabama — the growth you’re seeing, and the work he’s put into it to help make it that way. Then you’ve got somebody like Mo Brooks running against him that has failed at every office he’s been in,” Ledbetter said to a room full of applause.

I mean, this is not about politics. This is about running this state in a manner where we can succeed.

And the last time I looked, the last poll I saw, the Alabama Legislature approval rating by the people of this state was 68%, the last time I looked, Mo Brooks’ approval rating when he was in Congress was 15%. There’s a lot of difference between that.

We pay our bills, we’ve got money — and he owed $30 trillion when he left office. So, I don’t think he should trade the old for the new.”

Brooks is a six-term former Congressman, former Madison County Commissioner, former District Attorney, and former member of the Alabama House of Representatives — the office he is now seeking again.

Video of Ledbetter’s remarks:

Today is day 7 of the 2026 legislative session. The 2026 primary election is on May, 19, now 112 days away.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

7. Multiple teachers across Alabama have reported that students are more focused, engaged, and more disciplined in the first weeks of the 2025 school year after Alabama banned cell phones in classrooms, but students are whining about the policy.

6. A Montgomery mother praised Alabama’s CHOOSE Act, signed in 2024, for providing up to $7,000 per student for homeschool, private school, or switching school districts. She is urging parents to utilize the program, saying that applying was easy, as it is “only paperwork.”

5. A Court of Criminal Appeals refused to dismiss the murder charge against former Decatur police officer Mac Marquette for the 2023 shooting of Steve Perkins during a vehicle repossession confrontation, meaning that the trial is still on schedule for Sept. 15.

4. Former U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) seems to be inching close to a 2026 U.S. Senate run but continues to call another run for U.S. Senate as “possible but improbable,” expressing doubts about whether current candidates will prioritize preventing national insolvency and call out President Donald Trump when he makes errors.

3. President Donald Trump’s endorsement is poised to heavily influence Alabama’s 2026 U.S. Senate race, with candidates Attorney General Steve Marshall, U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), and Jared Hudson seeking his support in a contest where a poll shows Marshall leading with 24%, but 51.4% of voters are undecided so a Trump endorsement could swing the race.

2. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet at the White House today after Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for hours, with both Trump and Putin signaling a peace deal may be in the offing with land concessions and an agreement not to join NATO, and a peacekeeping force as part of the deal.

1. Media bias is on full display as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Donald Trump’s Ukraine policy, accusing the CBS Margaret Brennan of pushing a “stupid media narrative” over European leaders being invited by the U.S. to join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a White House meeting, and they are not coming to keep Zelensky from being bullied.

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Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN

Former U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks remains non-committal about throwing his hat into the ring to run for U.S. Senate in 2026.

Since U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) announced his candidacy for Governor, there has been speculation regarding a possible Brooks bid for the open seat. In his last attempt to become a senator in 2022, Brooks lost to Katie Britt by a significant margin.

Brooks’ former colleague in the House, U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), announced his campaign for the open seat earlier this week. Attorney General Steve Marshall and former Navy Seal Jared Hudson are also vying to the role.

When looking at the current political landscape, Brooks said he’s not sure any of the current candidates are right for the job.

“My top interest in a candidate is having some kind of assurance that they’re going to do what it takes to help stop America from sliding into a national insolvency and bankruptcy that would wreak havoc with our economy and the lives of Americans,” Brooks told AL.com Thursday.

“And to date I’ve not been persuaded that any of the candidates considering the position will do what it takes.”

All three of the current candidates have openly campaigned on supporting Trump’s “America First” agenda.

When asked if he was still considering to run for the seat, Books said, “possible but improbable.”

In the latest poll on the contest, 24% said Marshall; 12.9% said Pearl, 8.8% said Moore and 3% said Jared Hudson, which leaves 51.4% undecided.

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee

Former U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks says he’s not actively seeking a return to public office but if the right Republican candidate doesn’t emerge in Alabama’s 2026 Senate race, he may step in himself.

In an interview with 256 Today, the former congressman said he is enjoying retirement and time with his 14 grandchildren. However, he hasn’t ruled out running to succeed Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who announced his candidacy for governor last month.

“Yes, I’m considering it,” Brooks said. “If I were to put it in terms of probabilities, it’s possible but unlikely.”

Brooks, who represented North Alabama in Congress for more than a decade, said the decision will depend on whether a GOP candidate steps forward who he believes will prioritize debt reduction, free enterprise over socialism, “moral values,” and national security.

“I’m hoping that a candidate will surface that I know is going to do the right thing on deficit and debt, on socialism versus free enterprise, on moral values, on foreign policies and the other kinds of things that you expect a United States senator to work on,” Brooks said.

If no such candidate enters the race, Brooks said he and his wife, Martha, will “have to make a very difficult decision.” Brooks emphasized that he doesn’t view the Senate as a stepping stone or personal achievement.

“I don’t covet the United States Senate position as some people do who see it as another rung on the ladder,” he said.

Brooks said it should be a “sacrifice,” stating when he and his wife, “because we’re partners,” served in the United States Congress, it cost them about $2.5 million in net income loss.

“And that’s what I hope to see from people who want to serve in Washington, D.C.,” he said. “It should be a sacrifice.”

Asked directly if he would run if necessary, Brooks said, “Well, if necessary, but I’m a hard sell on being necessary.”

A six-term House member and former Madison County commissioner, Brooks ran unsuccessfully for Senate twice, including a run against U.S. Sen. Katie Britt when then former President Donald Trump famously withdrew his endorsement of Brooks.

Considering the current Senate race, Brooks said he’ll take “months” before making any decisions and will be watching how current leaders in Washington handle what he described as core national challenges: the economy, foreign affairs, and moral direction.

Rep. Barry Moore is rumored to be mulling a run but has not made any official announcement while Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall did officially announced his candidacy for the position last week.

“I do not want someone who mouths the words, who covets this position because of their ego and does the wrong thing rather than the right thing for our country,” Brooks said. “I’d much prefer somebody else.”

The party primary election for the open U.S. Senate seat is May 19, 2026.

Courtesy of 256 Today

Former Congressman Mo Brooks is leaving the door open for another possible Senate run in the 2026 election.

Since U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) announced his candidacy for Governor a little over a week ago, there has been speculation regarding a possible Brooks bid for the soon-to-be-open seat. In his last attempt to become a senator in 2022, Brooks lost to Katie Britt by a significant margin.

On Thursday, Brooks discussed the possibility on WVNN’s “The Dale Jackson Show.”

“I still think it’s improbable, but it’s more likely than it was a month or two ago,” Brooks said. “What happens with the economy, with our foreign affairs, and our deficit and debt?”

According to a recent poll, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is leading the field of potential candidates in the upcoming U.S. Senate election.

Brooks also spoke about Auburn men’s Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl potentially entering the race.

“I think there’s a significantly better chance that I would run for the Senate than Bruce Pearl runs for the Senate,” he argued. “And here’s why, let’s say Bruce Pearl wants to qualify as a Republican. Okay, he’s got a big risk that the steering committee, or perhaps the Alabama State Executive Committee, would override the steering committee if the steering committee went hypocritical and suddenly allowed Bruce Pearl on the ballot, when consistently we have prevented people who have contributed to Democratic candidates to be on the ballot.”

According to the Alabama Republican Party Bylaws, those who have financially contributed to candidates of another political party in the last six years would be restricted from having ballot access.

This would be a major problem for the basketball coach, given his $1,000 contribution to the Committee to Elect Shomari Figures (D-Mobile) through the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) during the 2024 election cycle. He also contributed $1,000 to U.S. Rep. Don Davis (D-N.C.).

Brooks added that it would also be risky for Pearl’s coaching career.

“He’s making millions of dollars as the Auburn coach,” he said. “He probably would have to resign and quit being Auburn’s coach if he runs for the Senate, because the Senate race is in the middle of most of the college basketball season.”

“So is he going to resign as coach over at Auburn University on the chance that a bunch of political individuals on the state steering committee, the GOP, or the executive committee as a whole, is going to allow him to run as a Republican when we have pretty consistently barred other individuals and their circumstances from being on the ballot?”

“I just don’t see him risking that this time next year.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee

7. Russia announced a 72-hour ceasefire in Ukraine to mark World War II “Victory Day.” Meanwhile, Ukrainian leadership questions the motives and the entire peace process, which President Donald Trump seems to be tiring of as he accurately notes that Crimea is going to be Russia’s.

6. For some reason, perennial loser (oh, that is the reason) former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke is going to speak at a park in Tuscaloosa before President Donald Trump’s speech at the University of Alabama.

5. The attempts to downplay the impact of illegal immigration continue as MSNBC blurs images of criminals’ signs on the White House lawn and the media and their Democrats pretend the issue of illegal immigration and immigrant crime aren’t as worrisome as the policies trying to end those issues.

4. Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, Attorney General Steve Marshall and former U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) are just some of the candidates for U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s Senate seat.

3. Spending cuts hit Alabama as the Department of Government Efficiency targets Americorps, much to the chagrin of U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) and the University of Alabama at Birmingham terminates scholarships for black medical students to keep federal dollars.

2. President Donald Trump’s first 100 days have delivered on disrupted global norms, media pushback and declining approval ratings but Trump claims the polls are “fake” and he wants an investigation.

1. Alabama’s congressional delegation had high marks and kind words for President Donald Trump’s first 100 days for advancing conservative priorities and promises kept on deregulation, tariffs, and border security.

Listen here:

Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN.

The Trump economy is months old, stop pretending he is responsible for the current state of things.

Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN, Talk 99.5, and News Radio 1440 from 10-11 a.m., and on Talk Radio 103.9 FM/730AM WUMP from 3-4 p.m.

The Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) held leadership elections during its winter State Executive Committee meeting on Saturday at the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover.

Soon after Chairman John Wahl gaveled in the meeting, he relinquished the lectern, as the committee’s approximately 400 members were allowed to make nominations for the chairmanship from the floor.

Wahl, being the only candidate nominated, was swiftly reelected by acclamation. This will be his third two-year term at the helm.

“I am honored and humbled to have the support of our State Executive Committee in Alabama,” Wahl said.

“This re-election is a testament to the strength of our party and the hard work we’ve put into building a unified, successful platform for our state. I look forward to continuing to work together with our members to advance conservative values and bring lasting change to Alabama.”

Vice Chairwoman Joan Reynolds was also reelected by acclamation.

Secretary Carol Jahns faced a challenge from Morgan County cattle rancher Kerrick Whisenant but was also ultimately reelected.

With Treasurer Sallie Bryant choosing not to seek another term, the race to succeed her was considered a tossup between Reed Phillips, who recently left his position as ALGOP Executive Director, and Kimberly Cook, Vestavia Hills City Councilwoman and wife of state Supreme Court Justice Greg Cook. Bryant threw her support to Phillips in a short speech to committee members, and Phillips ultimately won with a 29-vote margin.

“After working for the Party for almost 10 years, I’m excited to continue to serve the Party in this new capacity and give back to the organization that’s given so much to me,” Phillips told Yellowhammer News.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Wahl, the staff, and the great members across the state.”

Several congressional district chairmanships changed hands as well.

Jackie Gay was elected to replace State Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne) as Congressional District (CD) 1 Chairman. State Rep. Joe Lovvorn (R-Auburn) replaced State Sen. Lance Bell (R-Riverside) as CD3 Chairman, and State Rep. Ben Harrison (R-Elkmont) replaced former Congressman Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) as CD5 Chairman. Vaughn Poe was elected to replace CD7 Chairman Pierce Boyd.

All congressional district chairmen will serve on the Steering Committee, the party’s 21-member governing body.

Riley McArdle is a contributor for Yellowhammer News. He is a Junior majoring in Political Science at the University of Alabama and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the College Republican Federation of Alabama. You can follow him on X @rileykmcardle.

Radio talk show host Dale Jackson and 256 Today CEO Mecca Musick, take you through Alabama’s biggest political stories.

Mecca Musick is the CEO of 256 Today. Sign up for the 256 Today newsletter here.

Radio talk show host Dale Jackson and 256 Today CEO Mecca Musick, take you through Alabama’s biggest political stories.

Mecca Musick is the CEO of 256 Today. Sign up for the 256 Today newsletter here.

Radio talk show host Dale Jackson and 256 Today CEO Mecca Musick, take you through Alabama’s biggest political stories.

Mecca Musick is the CEO of 256 Today. Sign up for the 256 Today newsletter here.

Radio talk show hosts Dale Jackson and Yaffee, in for 256 Today CEO Mecca Musick, take you through Alabama’s biggest political stories.

Mecca Musick is the CEO of 256 Today. Sign up for the 256 Today newsletter here.

On Thursday, Alabama Ethics Commissioner Stan McDonald appeared on the Jeff Poor Show and admitted that he has made contributions to political campaigns while serving as one of the three commissioners.

Following that admission, State Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne) interviewed on the same program two hours later and said that McDonald admitted to committing a felony under the law Simpson is making an effort to reform. His proposal has been sharply criticized by McDonald.

Simpson says the current state ethics laws are overly complex and in need of reform. He used McDonald’s situation to make his case.

“It is tough for me to see how you can come on the radio and say that everybody understands the ethics law when you yourself don’t understand the law,” Simpson told Yellowhammer News.

Simpson explained that the Code of Alabama forbids members of the ethics commission, attorneys for the commission, or staff of the commission to engage in partisan political activities and that that is a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison.

When asked if McDonald’s crime was a felony under Simpson’s rewrite of the ethics laws, “No, it is not,” Simpson said. “I believe that the offense is not serious enough for prison time. I believe it should be handled as a violation civilly and administratively.”

McDonald, an attorney and former judge in Limestone County, has ten contributions to state candidates including State Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville), Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Alabama Attorney General candidate Alice Martin, former Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon (R-Monrovia), and the Republican Parties of both Limestone and Madison Counties.

McDonald is an Athens attorney and a former probate judge in Limestone County. He was an active political advisor to both U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and former U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville). McDonald was appointed to serve on the Alabama Ethics Commission in 2019.

McDonald’s five-year appointment was unanimously confirmed by the State Senate.

Former Alabama Governor Fob James appointed McDonald as an Administrative Law Judge for the State Health Planning and Development Agency. Former Alabama Attorney General Jeff Sessions named him as a Special Assistant to the Attorney General on behalf of the Alabama Department of Transportation and former Governor Robert Bentley appointed him as probate judge in Limestone County in 2011. He did not see election in 2012.

The decision whether or not to prosecute McDonald for violating state law will be up to Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. Simpson’s bill passed the Alabama House of Representatives 79 to 9 on Tuesday.

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com

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At a campaign rally outside of Dayton, Ohio on Saturday, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump spent some time reflecting on the 2022 Alabama U.S. Senate race and commending the winner of that election, Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), for her performance in the official GOP response to the 2024 State of the Union address.

“Katie Britt,” Trump told supporters. “Who liked the job she did the other night? I thought she did a very nice job. Liberals didn’t like it very much, I guess.”

Mainstream media outlets lashed out at Britt’s response over a story she shared involving a victim of human trafficking and illegal immigration, which was vindicated after CNN retracted their inaccurate and overblown concerns. In the days since, many have said Britt’s profile as the youngest Republican woman in the U.S. Senate is a threat to the narrative pushed by Democrats and the media.

“Because people don’t want to hear bull––––,” Trump told supporters in Ohio on Saturday. “They don’t want to hear it.”

In the context of Trump’s remarks, the former president said he endorsed Britt in 2022 after an infamous moment involving former Congressman Mo Brooks. “I call it the Mo Brooks speech,” he said.

FULL VIDEO:

"Who liked the job she did the other night? I thought she did a very nice job. Liberals didn't like it very much, I guess," Trump said of @SenKatieBritt at a campaign rally in Ohio yesterday. #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/Z6nS4FrPt4

— Grayson Everett (@Grayson270) March 17, 2024

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

(more…)

The statewide governing body of Alabama’s Republican women’s clubs, the Alabama Federation of Republican Women (AFRW), kicked off their biennial convention this week in Huntsville.

This year, it’s being held in anticipation for the 2024 election cycle – in which Alabama’s primary date, March 5th, known as Super Tuesday – can decide the fate of candidates running for President of the United States.

Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth joined AFRW conventiongoers for their initial festivities taking place at the Embassy Suites in downtown Huntsville – thanking the group for their contributions “to our party’s success in electing candidates statewide.”

On Friday, the AFRW will be electing officials of their own to coordinate the efforts of more than 2,000 members and counting across the state. The AFRW is the leading auxiliary group in Alabama Republican Party.

From voter registration and fundraising to year-round programming and targeted grassroots outreach in support of conservative candidates up and down the ticket – their leadership contest will decide the future direction of a powerful group.

Among the dozen elected positions being voted on by the group Friday, the election for AFRW President will likely stand between two candidates: Tiffany Noel of Huntsville and Judy Barlow of Fairhope.

Due to behind-the-scenes nominations logistics, as well as deeply-rooted political loyalties, the competition began well before the first meeting was gaveled into order.

Noel, a dedicated ally, employee and strategist for former Rep. Mo Brooks – who was defeated in a 2022 landslide victory by U.S. Senator Katie Britt – will be nominated by default on a slate.

Judy Barlow says she’ll seek the nomination for president from the floor of the convention to leverage her own past support of Alabama Republicans. Sources say that one of the main reasons Barlow is challenging the slated candidate is because of Noel’s lack of support for U.S. Senator Katie Britt, Governor Kay Ivey and former President Donald Trump – who is the leading contender to be the GOP presidential nominee again in 2024.

Noel is now employed by Kids to Love, a Huntsville-area nonprofit currently entangled in litigation with the State of Alabama’s Department of Human Resources.

In 2011, Noel began working as district director and deputy chief of staff to then-Rep. Mo Brooks. From 2016 to 2021, Noel served as President of the Republican Women of Huntsville, and since 2019 as the 4th Vice President for the AFRW. On Friday, she’ll ask club members to assess if her resume and affiliations are fit to lead the group into the 2024 cycle and beyond.

Group members skeptical of Noel’s collaboration with Brooks expressed concern over a ‘Never Trump’ agenda being executed across the group’s activism and support structure – saying she’ll use the club to advance Brooks’ political vendetta against Trump for withdrawing his endorsement from his 2022 campaign for U.S. Senate. In 2022, Brooks paid Noel a total of $166,333 for her work as District Director.

Brooks has repeatedly attacked Trump, who is on the verge of securing the nomination. This month, Brooks used the occasion of the death of Trump’s older sister to attack Trump and claim he “has no principles. None. None.”

In recent months, Brooks called on Trump to “drop out of presidential race for good of America,” calling the 45th President “a likely convicted felon who loses badly.”

Barlow, a graduate of both Millport High School and the University of Alabama, applied to FedEx starting as a secretary and worked her way up to Senior Marketing Specialist.

She serves as President of Eastern Shore Republican Women, a member of the Alabama Republican Executive Committee, a member of the Baldwin County Executive Committee, and an officer in the Alabama Federation of Republican Women.

“The growth of our Federation is important as we get ready for the pivotal 2024 elections. As boots on the ground, we will be called upon to do many things and be in many places,” Barlow says in her campaign material. “The programs and events we put in place will not only train us to be effective leaders, but positive communicators and influencers within our communities.”

“With your input, putting a plan of action in place will give us the structure upon which we can build, grow, and strengthen the Republican Party,” Barlow says.

The election for AFRW President is on Friday.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

On Monday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) released her book, “God Calls Us to do Hard Things: Lessons from the Alabama Wiregrass.” The junior Senator from Alabama is the youngest Republican woman, and currently the only with school-aged children, to be elected to the United States Senate.

She’s making good on that dynamic with a fast track to leadership, and even being recognized as a potential vice presidential candidate along the way. She’s taking her story on the road as she promotes her new book.

In the memoir released on Tuesday, Britt shares candid advice for how to overcome personal challenges, appreciate blessed moments, and keep an unshakeable faith in God, family and country.

Britt shares her hard-earned life lessons and common-sense advice that Britt gained from her experiences. Topics and themes include focusing us on what you can control, being unafraid to fail while also taking criticism and tough love, being a change agent — not a title holder, and leaning into the small stuff of details and process

“A lot of times we see the peaks of people’s lives, especially in the age of social media,” Britt said Tuesday on Fox & Friends. “But in this book, I talk about my valleys because I believe that’s where God carved you and, honestly- no matter how you got there, you will be more willing to walk forward and share his purpose for you.”

“Every day I get up and work hard in the United States Senate for the next generation and for the people of Alabama,” Britt said on CBS Morning Monday.

The book available on Amazon and in retail stores. Katie Britt previously wrote: ‘Katie Britt: the Biography’ which is also still available.

Katie Boyd grew up in Enterprise, where her parents ran small businesses including a hardware store and dance studio. She is a graduate of Enterprise High School where she excelled academically. She went to the University of Alabama where she rose to President of the Student Government Association.

While in college, she interned with Senator Richard Shelby’s office. That turned into a position on Shelby’s staff down the road, where she ultimately served as Chief of Staff.

In college, Katie married Wesley Britt, a native of Cullman. Wesley excelled in football at the University of Alabama where he played offensive line and competed for national championships. After college, Wesley was drafted by the New England Patriots.

The couple returned to the University of Alabama for Katie to pursue a law degree and for Wesley to pursue a graduate degree. While there, their home was destroyed by the 2011 tornado that devastated much of the college town. The young family narrowly survived the tornados that killed over 200 Alabamians that day.

In 2021, Shelby announced that he would retire at the end of his current term. After much consideration, prayer, and contemplation the couple decided to give up their lucrative careers out of a call to service to Alabama and the country, she describes in the book.

Pursuing the Senate seat was a daunting task. Katie Britt had never held an elected office before – outside of her SGA experience. Former Congressman Mo Brooks was the frontrunner for the position; and he was well liked by the conservative base of the Republican party. Self-made multi-millionaire Lindy Blanchard was also running for the position, as political outsider and war hero Mike Durant.

The campaign was long, expensive, and personally taxing. Former President Donald J. Trump initially endorsed Brooks. The relationship between the two became strained and eventually Trump withdrew his endorsement of Brooks.

Blanchard, who was polling around fourth place, despite spending millions of dollars in the race withdrew to challenge popular incumbent Governor Kay Ivey. Durant surged in the polling, but revelations that the New Hampshire native spent much of his time at his homes in Maryland and Colorado, rather than in Alabama where his company is located, caused him to slide into obscurity. Trump then intervened and endorsed a surging Britt who was already well on her way to victory.

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com

Former U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks took another shot at his political-ally-turned-nemesis, Donald Trump, saying he should drop out of the 2024 presidential election.

“GOP & USA need a candidate of good character, not a likely convicted felon who loses badly to #JoeBiden,” Brooks (R-Huntsville) posted on X.

.@realDonaldTrump drop out of presidential race for good of America?

Louisiana US Senator Bill Cassidy says so

I agree

GOP & USA need a candidate of good character, not a likely convicted felon who loses badly to #JoeBiden https://t.co/BmYzrDCaNJ

— Mo Brooks (@RepMoBrooks) August 20, 2023

Brooks had speculated to Yellowhammer News that Trump’s legal woes make him “unelectable in a general election.”

“The Democrats are absolutely giddy that Donald Trump is leading Republican primary polls,” Brooks said. “I submit that Republican voters would be wise to ponder why Democrats and left wing elements of the news media so badly want Donald Trump to be the Republican nominee?

Since that time, the entirety of Alabama’s Republican Congressional delegation and Sen. Tommy Tuberville formally endorsed Trump’s 2024 bid.

In another Sunday night tweet, Brooks tried to rehash the former president’s endorsement of Sen. Katie Britt over his own bid for the 2022 Alabama U.S. Senate primary.

“#Socialist #Democrats, #RINOs & #NeverTrumpers KEY to Britt 2022 GOP Primary win,” Brooks said. “Britt said different to get Trump key endorsement.”

In contrast to Brooks’ steady flow of vitriol, Britt made numerous media appearances last week, saying she much preferred life under the Trump administration over Biden’s.

“I often remind voters of how much stronger and safer and freer and more prosperous our nation was under President Trump’s leadership,” Britt said. “If you just take a step back and think about it, we had no new wars under President Trump. That’s because he understood that you actually achieve peace through strength. You look at the way that he was able to negotiate with other countries — he drove a hard bargain so that America could always get the best possible deal.”

“And then, goodness gracious, we’re not even talking about what’s in your pocket.

“You know, you look at what Trump did: he was able to lower taxes, slash red tape. He was able to onshore jobs. He was able to unleash American energy. I mean, gas and groceries were cheaper, our 401ks were higher. He put American families first, not coastal elites and not the prominent political class.”

Recently, Brooks said former Vice President Mike Pence was “justified” in taking the stance he took on January the 6th — a reversal from his comments from the pulpit of the rally that day.

“He’s supposed to be the one to take the notes down and the notes he takes down are the acceptance or rejections by the United States Congress of Electoral College vote submittals of those of the various states,” Brooks said on WVNN’s “The Dale Jackson Show.”

“And so what Mike Pence is doing is trying to remind people that Donald Trump in effect is telling all voters that he’s going to violate his oath, that Donald Trump’s word is not worth squat, and he’s going to violate the Constitution if he decides to, for good reason or bad reason or on a whim.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

7. Iran and the U.S. have entered into some deal that will allow 5 prisoners to be placed under house arrest. The Biden administration says that the Iran Nuclear Deal is still in place but money and prisoners could be released to Iran soon.

6. While former President Donald Trump did not appear in court Thursday, he was golfing, he pleaded not guilty to the latest charges surrounding the Mar-A-Lago documents issue. On the 2020 election matter, his court date could be set for January 2, 2024 today.

5. Former U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) continues to reiterate that former President Donald Trump was making it clear he wanted the 2020 election overturned, backing the claims now being made by former Vice President Mike Pence.

4. The State of Alabama is in an “exciting and transformational time,” according to Gov. Kay Ivey who was speaking to the Limestone County Chamber of Commerce to update leaders on the economic status of the state, which is pretty good.

3. Riverboat crew, captain, a guy breaking up the fight, and a member of the crew’s mother are now in full dispute over whether there was racism at play in the Riverfront Rumble. Now, a woman, 21-year-old Mary Todd, has now been arrested for hitting the riverboat captain in the throat while holding a beer in her hand.

2. The anger toward U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) has manifested itself in an attack that he does not live in the state. He says he lives in a house with his wife and son on the deed, and this unproven claim has already been brought to the attention of the voters.

1. The evidence continues to mount on the Biden Crime Syndicate with a new photo of then-Vice President Joe Biden on Air Force 2 with one of Hunter Biden’s then-business partners on his way to Ukraine. This was before he threatened to hold back U.S. aid if a prosecutor Biden’s son and business associates wanted fired was not fired (he was). House Republican Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) called it a “damning photo.”

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Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN and on Talk 99.5 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Former U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) is backing recent comments made by former Vice President Mike Pence about the current frontrunner in the GOP presidential primary race.

Pence has been claiming that former President Donald Trump “demanded” he “chose between him and the Constitution” when he asked the vice president to reject electors Jan. 6.

Trump has since lashed out at Pence, calling him “delusional” and not a “very good person.”

“Mike Pence was justified in taking the stance he took on January the 6th,” Brooks said Thursday on WVNN’s “The Dale Jackson Show.” “He’s supposed to be the one to take the notes down and the notes he takes down are the acceptance or rejections by the United States Congress of Electoral College vote submittals of those of the various states.

“Mike Pence has no authority that I’m aware of in the United States Constitution to himself reject the electoral college vote submittals of any state.”

The former Senate candidate said this is an example of why Trump is not fit to be president.

“You’ve got a candidate, Donald Trump, who has on numerous occasions said that he’s not going to obey the United States Constitution,” Brooks said. “A document that, when a president is sworn in, they’re sworn to defend and protect the Constitution.”

He also thinks Pence is right to remind voters how Trump was wrong on this issue.

Brooks said Pence’s claims are similar to what Trump told Brooks to do when he was in Congress and running for the Senate.

“[Trump] also asked me to urge violating Constitution,” he said on his social media. “I refused.”

.@Mike_Pence: “I’m running for president in part because I think anyone who puts themselves over the Constitution should never be president of the United States,”#DonaldTrump also asked me to urge violating Constitution. I refused.

Character matters.https://t.co/AvLR8213yL

— Mo Brooks (@RepMoBrooks) August 7, 2023

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

7. Alabama’s first transgender candidate is running for the vacant State House seat in District 55 (Jefferson County). This candidate will get all of the media attention and a very little share of the votes in the race.

6. Because U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) did not offer a public endorsement for former President Donald Trump months before voting starts, Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk is whining. The implication that Britt is somehow a RINO, unlike a lifelong Democrat donor who became Republican to run for president. The reality is that Britt is on RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel’s 2022 autopsy team, not that it needs to be explained.

5. The fight over Space Command is all but over but that will not stop U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) from pushing back. Rep. Aderholt told Alabama Public Television that there are tools left to fight with, “I do think appropriations could be one avenue,” adding, “I’m hoping that they’ll be enough people in Congress that would say ‘we don’t want this to be a political decision.”

4. No new arrests in the “Riverfront Rumble,” the racialization of the situation has been everywhere but Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed said there is no evidence that this is or is not racially motivated. However, the Internet does not care.

3. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin thinks that a high-speed train would be more economical and practical than widening I-65. He’s wrong, but he is running for mayor again so this is more likely just a contrarian position for contrarian sake. One assessment of this terrible idea places the cost at $51.6 billion.

2. Former U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) took to CNN yesterday to back former Vice President Mike Pence’s take that former President Donald Trump wanted them to overturn and undo the 2020 election, a story he has told many times, and now Trump’s legal team is denying. Pence also is qualified for the first debate.

1. Former President Donald Trump’s legal team is arguing that he should be able to speak out on his legal case however he wishes, he’s right, “In a trial about First Amendment rights, the government seeks to restrict First Amendment rights.” The federal government wants a gag/protection order, which would keep Trump from Truth Social-ing(?) about the case and targeting everyone involved in the case during an election.

Listen here:

Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN and on Talk 99.5 from 10 a.m. to noon.

The city of Huntsville plans to add signs in an area where an alligator recently attacked and killed a resident’s dog.

The dog’s owner told WAFF 48 that his golden retriever was killed in May by the large gator after running through the brush in south Huntsville. The dog was out with the owner’s two children who were shooting BB guns outside.

The city released a statement Wednesday responding to the attack.

“Wildlife coexists with us throughout the City and surrounding areas,” the statement said. “It’s important for citizens and homeowners to be aware of the types of wildlife in their particular area and notify us when they have concerns about hazards related to such animals. In this case, the citizen did notify us and we have been working with Alabama Fish & Wildlife, which has jurisdiction over this type of animal.”

The city said they are taking steps to make residents in the area more aware of the gators.

“We have placed signs along the greenway in that area reminding people of the potential presence of alligators and are in the process of adding more signs around the swamp and pond areas where people might venture off the greenway,” the statement said.

Huntsville City Councilman Bill Kling believes the city will address the issue further.

“I expect that there will be discussion about this at next Thursday’s City Council meeting,” Kling said in a statement to Yellowhammer News.

Former Congressman Mo Brooks also weighed in on the situation Thursday on WVNN’s “The Dale Jackson Show because he and his family frequent the area where the alligator was spotted.

“I use that bike and walking path where the alligator killed that dog on a regular basis with little kids,” Brooks said, “and I’m most distressed that the city of Huntsville is not being as proactive as they can be about these gators.

“If I were in charge, and I’m not, I would do one of two things. I would kill them on the spot or I would capture them and send them down to a nice swamp in Louisiana or Mississippi or Florida, some place that is more their habitat.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

7. A silly ethics complaint filed by Alabama Board of Education Member Wayne Reynolds against former U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) has been predictably dropped. Reynolds claimed Brooks’ comments about China not wanting him elected to the U.S. Senate represented, “unethical behavior that harms the Alabama Republican Party and impugns the validity of our Party election process” but the majority of the Alabama Republican Party’s Ethics committee disagreed.

6. Democrats seem to be pushing another stimulus bill (up to $1,200 a month), not because they think it is good for the economy or America’s economic health, but because they believe it will turn out Democrat voters and independents who want “free money.” U.S. Reps. Rosa DeLaura (D-Conn.), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), and Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) have proposed it and 200 Democrat Congressthems are for it, including Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham).

5. Why is President Joe Biden still in the race for president even when he has a ton of ethical allegations, seems to be feeble, and is generally a terrible person and president? Two reasons: They think President Trump is beatable (especially in swing states) and because his vice president is historically unpopular with an unfavorable net rating of -17. [insert Kamala Harris cackle]

4. Director of the Alabama Department of Transportation John Cooper may lose his job if he did what he is alleged to have done. Cooper was arrested in Marshall County after a tiff with a neighbor and allegedly said, “You heard me. I’m old and I got Parkinson’s, but I’ll still whup your fat ass!”

3. The youth mental health crisis is clearly a thing and we need to address it. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) supports “The Protecting Kids on Social Media Act” which includes a real-age verification process for social media. Do it.

2. In an attempt to get “drag” criminalized in Alabama, Central Alabama Pride hosted an event with children where an adult man in a dog outfit shakes his ass before walking over to a young child and accepting money from him. The “performer” known as “Flap Jack” posted a video to Twitter showing the scene and stating, “I always love performing in this look […] because it draws folks in whether they’re young or old. Drag is not a crime, y’all!?” Sadly, it should be and could be if the Alabama Legislature had wanted it to be, it would be.

1. Another audio leak from the Department of Justice shows President Donald Trump admitting that the documents he had were not declassified AND he knew he should not have them or be showing them to others. Big, if true, obviously. It is true.

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Dale Jackson is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 7-11 a.m. weekdays on WVNN.